March Newsletter

Posted on February 27, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

 

 

Joy for the Journey

Dear Family,

Please write March 6, 1-6 PM on your calendar now. That is when Rev. Leila Disburg will be with us for a very important event in the life of Soldotna United Methodist Church. We will spend that time together discovering a new vision for our church in this community.

You might ask why? Have you ever heard of a ship leaving port without an intended destination? Maybe, but even folks who don’t know where they want to end up, have a way of deciding along the way. Commercial airliners are said to be off course ninety percent of the time, but ninety-nine percent of the time they arrive at their intended destination. That’s because they have a mechanism of constantly checking to see if they are headed in the right direction. They are constantly making small course corrections to insure they arrive where they intended to arrive. How about the church? How do we know we are doing the things that will enable us to achieve all that God is calling us to achieve? Many organizational consultants will often say, “If you don’t plan a specific destination for your organization, then you are planning on going nowhere, and that is exactly where you will arrive — nowhere.

Let’s set aside this time and come together to share our desires, hopes, and dreams for Soldotna United Methodist Church. I believe God is doing a new thing as we work together to move the church to the destiny that God is calling us to fulfill. I believe we have the talent and the ability to do all that God is asking us to do. I believe we now have the resources available to enable us to accomplish the work that God has laid before us. Let us gather and have a great time sharing all that is on your heart, mind, and spirit regarding the future of your church.

The day will come when you and I will leave this church and pass it into the hands of another generation. I pray and work towards the goal of passing a dynamic, vital, active church that is working with joy and determination to achieve the work that God has set before us. That can only happen when we come together and discover that common vision which can be our guide into the future. Come have some fun and enjoy the experience of helping to chart our course.

We also have some other events coming up this month as we “Journey to Discipleship” during the Lenten season. On March 26 at 7:00 PM we will host a presentation by “Jews for Jesus” which will explain the Jewish meaning and symbolism present in the “Last Supper.” It will serve to make your experience of Holy Week really special. Maundy Thursday we host the combined service with Christ Lutheran Church and then on Holy Friday the choir will present the Tenebrae service at 7:00 PM. It will be a busy month but there are wonderful experiences to help us grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and the church community. Thanks for coming and helping to make the journey meaningful.

Grace and Peace,
Richard

Happy Birthday
Mar. 1 Maria Jackinsky
Mar. 3 Shane Tachick, Megan Silta
Mar. 5 Melinda Duncan
Mar. 6 Clark Fair
Mar. 9 Garrett Ussing
Mar. 10 Tracy Parker, Kelly Cooper
Mar. 12 Tom Archer
Mar. 13 Christie Stinnett
Mar. 15 Elizabeth Wilson, Rebecca Stimmel, Annie Quinn
Mar. 19 Sarah Shoemaker
Mar. 20 Mike Gebhard
Mar. 22 Alice Hopkins, Jean Duncan, Benjamin Histand
Mar. 24 Jillian Duncan
Mar. 26 Sarah Histand

Newsletter Help Needed
Are you creative, computer savvy? Would you be interested in sharing in the production of the Spirit Newletter?
Visit with Florine Marshall for further details if this is something you’d like to try. Phone: 420-3900.

The Church Responds

Thanks so much for the outpouring of support for UMCOR’s Haiti relief efforts – the generosity is amazing! As we work with the people in Haiti to address the long term recovery and development needs, we are thankful to move forward with the confidence that the people of the United Methodist Church will continue to partner with UMCOR in the years to come. Especially as Haiti prepares for the rainy season, and then hurricane season, please be in prayer with the people of Haiti and know that your support is critical.

As of February 18, 2010
* $13 million has been received for UMCOR Haiti Relief
* Hundreds of thousands of kits have been received at UMCOR Sager Brown and are being verified for shipment to Haiti.

From the Field

Since the January 12 earthquake, UMCOR has carried out an initial assessment of damages and needs, developed a five-year work plan, and shored up strategic partnerships with the United Nations, NGOs and the Methodist Church in Haiti.

The UMCOR work plan anticipates three phases of recovery: emergency, recovery and rehabilitation. Currently operating in the emergency phase — from the time of the earthquake through April and including the start of the rainy season in March – UMCOR is addressing the most immediate needs of access to food, clean water and sanitation, temporary shelter and emotional and spiritual support.

This week’s highlights include:

* While UMCOR has been working in Haiti since before the earthquake, UMCOR re-opened the Haiti field office. UMCOR’s Kate Paik and Larry Powell have been in Port-au-Prince coordinating with the Methodist Church in Haiti and preparing the UMCOR Haiti field office.

US Mission in Action

* With recent reports indicating that 75 percent of the Haitian
capital, Port-au-Prince, will need to be rebuilt; volunteers soon will be needed to go to Haiti. Volunteer teams are beginning to mobilize by filling out the registration form.

* Through Justice for our Neighbors clinics across the country, UMCOR is helping Haitian immigrants register for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) the US government has offered. A workshop was held in New York City on Wednesday to educate people about how to apply.

* In addition to health kits, this week, volunteers began assembling and shipping layette kits and birthing kits to address the basic needs of babies born in displaced persons camps in Haiti.

‘One Great Hour of Sharing’
Our Pigs will be on a Mission March 14, 2010
Gifts to this project supports vital works for UMCOR.

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February Spiritual Gifts Weekend Seminar

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

You heard that the Networking Seminar in the fall was enlightening, challenging, and affirming! And, you heard it was a TON of fun! Well, the Networking Seminar is BACK and you have the opportunity to join us!

Ever wonder why God made you the way He did? The great news is that everyone in the body of Christ has been given special gifts and talents! YOU have been wired a certain way by God and YOUR personality, gifts, and talents matter!

So, you want to learn more about how God made you? Come to the Networking Weekend Seminar, designed by the staff of Willowcreek Church, that focuses on discovering your spiritual gifts, unique personality, and how it fits into the life of the body of believers! Whether you have been a Christian for fifty years or just a few weeks, you will discover something new about yourself and others during this special weekend! The teacher of this weekend is Kristen Lommel.

This class will be offered Friday and Saturday, February 19-20.
Friday, February 19-6:00 pm-9:00 pm-Dinner is included.
Saturday, February 20-9:00 am-4:30 pm-Breakfast donuts and lunch included!
Childcare will be provided if needed!

Please let Kristen Lommel 953-1979, or Richard Whetsell know if you are interested in being a part of this course!

This weekend will be a precious time for your walk with God as well as your fellowship friends at SUMC!

Hope to see you there!

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Reflections by participants of Wildwood Kairos #4

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

Wildwood Correctional Complex
2010 Kairos #4
Participant Reflections written 6 days after Closing

What has this Kairos experience meant to me?

• It meant to me that a lot of people care about me, and there are a lot of really good people all around out there that really have the love of God in Them and I ‘m so grateful for them. God bless them all.
• What I experienced was the Holy Spirit. Love, peace within, friendship with my new family in Christ. I’ve finally found the Lord and what Kairos means is a learning experience about how God knows me had has always been my friend. Kairos is very spiritual to me.
• It has given me a purpose and direction and understanding of the true meaning of being a Christian, which is to be like Christ and have unconditional love. I understand that the gifts we have are to be used in building the Church and that the people are the Church. My eyes have been opened up to God’s love for me and I understand what Jesus has done for all of us. Amen. God bless you all with Agape love.
• For me Kairos has been the beginning of my life of Christ. It really showed me that people care and Jesus cares. I appreciate all that you have done for me personally. I will pray for each and everyone of you daily for showing me the way of the Lord. May God bless you all as you have blessed me.
• Kairos has meant to me that I am reminded that GOD loves me no matter what and there is a good life. (Christian life)
• I am glad that you all cared enough to come and show us your love. The experience I had will never leave my heart. You all have planted in my heart that all things are possible. Thank you for loving me for who I am and to let me see who I really am.
• It has meant and still means love and compassion. It is exactly what Christians are called to do for others. For me it was a wonderful time to fellowship with other believers. It was very encouraging to see other denominations come together with absolute unity and share God’s love. For me, it was the most wonderful time spent in prison. I hope to do the same someday.
• That a lot of people do care and so many people took the time to come to prison and share the word of God. Not just the volunteers, but the people from all around the world. There is only one love and that is God’s love.
• I just want you to know that this weekend of Kairos has lit a fire in my heart that was not there before. This was a life changing event. I now cn go forward in life because I have learned the joy of being able to forgive and being forgiven. Your brother in Christ
• I have found forgiveness in Kairos. It has shown me that I have a life to live, still. Jail is not the end, it is now the beginning to me. I have found a new freedom through this experience of Kairos. The love that every one showed through this is hard to show in my own life. It will always be with me. You all have shown me that I can be forgiven and I can forgive too. Thank you all.
• That God’s love never ends!!!! God loves me (us) no matter what has happened in my life and that I can forgive myself. And to spread God’s love to others the best way we see fit. We can. Thank you Lord.
• I discovered God’s love through brotherhood. A spiritual and rewriting experience. More love and good food. What a treat! I felt really important.
• It has brought me closer to Jesus. It has reopened a door that I had shut. It has made me feel the love of God that I have not felt in a long time. I am very thankful for the men God sent here to share with us. Thank you.
• I would like to thank you for helping me in working on “faith” which I needed. People that came here last week, were very inspirational and a help to many of us. We need these events more. Thank you for doing this for us inmates. I will keep praying for you and your families as we all need prayers. In one accord, James
• Kairos has meant so much to me. It has made my relationship with Christ so intense that when I leave this place I will be leaving with so much more than what I came in with. And it made me appreciate my brothers and sisters in Christ and renewed my walk with Christ. Thank you so much. Terry
• It has meant a lot to me through the constant fellowship and the talks given. It has opened up a new support of fellow Christians to be around. It has also proven once more that God’s love is everywhere. And all of the material and prayers and volunteers have shown me that I am not just another number or statistic. God bless.
• Coming to prison devastated me. All the passion, faith, love and joy that I had in God was utterly squashed by the condemnation, guilt and shame that the devil piled on me. I felt that, because of my devastating choices and the pain they caused so many people, that I did not deserve love, joy and acceptance of God or the church. Kairos revealed to me that God is still loving me passionately and that the church is still behind me. Kairos showed me that I am forgiven and redeemed by Jesus Christ. The Lord has renewed my passion, faith, hope, love and joy through the tangible love expressed by the Kairos team and all that committed to pray and serve. Praise God for what he has done. Thank you.
• Kairos has wonderful food! The food of Christian fellowship, homecooked and savory! The sweetness of fresh baked, unconditional love that God’s people share! Oh, and the cookies were good too! It means a start for some on the rood to a personal relationship with God and His son, Jesus Christ. I am gladdened by this and my hope for humanity is restored. My thanks to god and the people of Kairos for the wonderful experience.
• What I got out of Kairos is a new life and faith that God is right here with me and will guide me down the right path. I have found love from strangers. Amen.
• Kairos has shown me how many good, caring and loving people there are in this world; who care about me even in the situation I am in here in jail. I see what God has done in their lives and how they are. I have hope in my life by their example. Thank you.
• It meant that God’s greatest love is being spread through God’s holy people. Giving, respect, honor, trust, openness, honesty, sharing, peace, warmth – God’s word is spread like a chain reaction through Kairos. It is not going to stop here because we will spread the work and the others will spread the Word of God. Because God is love.
• It means to me that I am the church and am my brother’s keeper. I’ve learned that I have an everlasting fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ our Lord. I pray for our other brothers and sisters who pray for me. Great Spirit, watch over my new brothers and sisters of Kairos.
• A close bondness between prison life and freedom life which only Jesus has made happen in my life through Kairos.
• It is like the beginning, that is, the growth of each man. What will happen with them will all be of God. All you can do is plant and another water, all else is of god. You do this “all” out of the love within your heart. You have many questions of the vessel of dishonor. This needs to be answered as well as the one of honor. Do you understand God’s will in this to do so?

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Disaster Response Wisdom

Posted on January 18, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

With all of the media focused on the response to Haiti, it might be wise for many of us to review the wisdom that comes from years of disaster response.

First of all some definitions. A disaster is any experience which you have that overwhelms your ability to respond. It can involve only you or a whole nation. The responsibility to respond to disasters begins with you being equipped, prepared and empowered to do good self care. When you are unable to care for yourself, then others, often also in the midst of the disaster must provide care for you. The highest priority when you are not in the disaster should be to answer the question, “Am I ready for the next one?”

Disasters are chaos. If they weren’t chaos, they would be called interruptions or inconveniences. Chaos is chaotic and that’s why disaster response always loosk and feels so messy. That’s why information is always incomplete or late. How do you survive in the chaos? The mantra becomes, “Safe, secure, sanitary.” Are you safe where you are? Can you continue to be safe there as well as secure? Do you have what you need to self shelter until things get better? How will you know when things get better? How will you communicate your own condition and determine the extent of the disaster? These are small things when every thing is okay but they become huge when the phones don’t work, the electric is off, and the cell phones are jamed.

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Helping Haiti

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

I am so encouraged that the heart of compassion is so great around the world. Stop, think for a moment, if you are surrounded by chaos and distruction, what do you really need. The emergency nature of the first days of any disaster call for a very controlled and directed response by people closest to the disaster who are trained to work in the dangerous environments of destroyed buildings and dead bodies. The greatest help that we can give Haiti at this time is prayer and money donated to organizations who will have a big role in the relief and recovery stages of this disaster.

http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/umcor/donate.cfm?code=418325&id=3018760

This is the link to contibute through UMCOR. Every dollar contributed in this manner will go to help folks in Haiti. Your local church can also receive credit for this donation when you follow the intructions.

Which federal agency is responsible for disaster assistance outside US Borders? The United States Agency for International Development also known as USAID, Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance is responsible for providing emergency assistance to areas impacted by disasters or emergencies outside the United States borders. For more information on relief efforts, please call 703-276-1914 or visit www.usaid.gov.

Three people from GBGM were in Haiti at the time of the earthquake. Sam Dixon, Deputy General Secretary in charge of UMCOR, Clint Rabb, Assistance General Secretary in charge of UMVIM, and Jim Gulley, UMCOR Consultant and former missionary.
Tom Hazelwood Friends here is what we know as of now. Sam, Clint and Jim left the Methodist Guest House in Haiti and were dropped off at Hotel Montana for a meeting. The earthquake hit about 5 minutes after they were dropped off. The hotel completely collapsed. We were told that some survivors were evacuated from the hotel lat…e last night. We still have no word. Please hold the families in your hearts and prayers.

There are 45,000 American citizens currently in Haiti.

Americans seeking information on family in Haiti can call 1888.407.4747.

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Pigs on a Mission

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

The pigs have been in the wild long enough. Round up those piggy banks and dress them up and bring them to church this Sunday as we celebrate “Human Relations” day.

January 17, 2010: Human Relations Day is one of the opportunities for United Methodist Churches to celebrate our connectional work. This day of social action and raising awareness aims to heal social ills at the national level. It supports Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Service (UMVS), and the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program. The first two programs are administered through the General Board of Global Ministries.

See you in church with or without pigs.

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Wildwood Kairos #4 Comes to a Close

Posted on January 10, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

With Sunday’s agenda coming to a close, the focus of today is to prepare these Wildwood Residents for insertion back into a culture that hasn’t changed over these three days. Many of the men attending the Kairos weekend have made significant choices to change the way they have been living life. To become more anchored in their faith journey, they must continue to work on these issues beginning Monday morning. Our team will work throughout today to give them the tools and the encouragement they need to keep on the journey.

Please continue to pray for these men. Making Christ centered decisions in their lives will be a whole new way of thinking for many of them. The Monday night prayer and share will be important for each of them to get involved with, and this coming Saturday will be crucial as the team returns to the institution for a one day instuctional on how to sustain the changes they have made.

Thanks again for all the prayers, cookies, and agape that has helped these men learn that they are loved by a loving God.

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2010 Admin Team

Posted on January 7, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

The Admin Team members are divided into three classes each serving a three year term. They are designated by the year that their term expires.

Class of 2010
Mike Gebhard
Sally Tachick
Pam Presol — Chair
Kathy Gebhard

Class of 2011
John Benner
Betty Lowery — Co-Treasurer
Leroy Sandeval
Gary Robison — Vice-Chair

Class of 2012
Elizabeth Wilson — Co-Treasurer
Lou Martin — Financial Secretary
Hal Smalley
Steve Latz
Members by Position
Susie Smalley — Lay Leader
Troy Castimore — Lay Delegate

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Worship this Sunday will be led by our U. M. W.

Posted on January 7, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

Our worship this Sunday will be led by the U. M. W. Susie Smalley will direct a host of fine women to lead us in an inspiring worship which will highlight all thet the U. M. W. does throughout the year.

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Wildwood Kairos #4

Posted on January 7, 2010 by Richard Whetsell

We begin our fourth Kairos at Wildwood Correctional Complex in Kenai, Alaska on Thursday, Janurary 7, 2010. Fourty-two residents will have the opportunity to enjoy basking in God’s love as the inside team or volunteers surrounds them with the physical presence of that love. Over the next 72 hours they will hear the central themes of Christianity, God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. The three days provides a safe place for men who have not known God to consider the possibility of living in a loving relationship with God. This is accomplished by a team of men who exhibit that love, a support team that provides great food, a crowd of cookie bakers who provide the cookies that are distributed each evening, and thousands of people who will be praying for this week end and these men.

Join us by praying that God’s grace will be real and these men will be transformed.

If you would like to be a part of transforming lives for God please contact Pastor Richard.

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